Bridgend AM Carwyn Jones opens Bridgend’s new Volunteer Centre

Bridgend AM Carwyn Jones has opened a new Volunteer Centre in Bridgend town centre managed by Bridgend Association of Voluntary Organisations (BAVO). The new centre offers up to date information, advice and guidance to people who are looking for volunteering opportunities and to voluntary organisations or community groups looking to recruit volunteers.

The launch was attended by Carwyn Jones AM, Chris Elmore MP, the Mayor and Mayoress of the County Borough of Bridgend Cllr Reg Jenkins and Mrs Teresa Jenkins, Paul Dear, Head of Third Sector Unit at Welsh Government, local councillors and representatives from local community organisations. Entertainment was provided by Sam Finch and Lucy Rathkey from Archbishop McGrath Catholic High School and Bridgend Youth Orchestra, who played the flute, saxophone and piano.

Bridgend AM Carwyn Jones said “Having this information hub on volunteering in Bridgend town centre will certainly encourage more people to pop in and look at the wide range of opportunities available. It was great to see for myself this useful resource and to talk to the BAVO team about their centre. Volunteering can be hugely rewarding and any spare time that people give is hugely appreciated.”

Open Monday to Friday from 10am – 4pm, the new Volunteer Centre based at 2 Queen Street in Bridgend town centre, is a one-stop resource on all aspects of volunteering with over 300 registered voluntary organisations offering a wide range of opportunities to match people’s skills and interests.

BAVO’s Chief Executive Heidi Bennett, said: “We hope the centre will attract a whole range of new volunteers and provide a space for targeted volunteer drives and awareness campaigns for our local community groups. Whether it be to build job skills or giving something back to the community, the Volunteer Centre staff are experts in linking people up.

“Whatever your motivation, whatever your interests, why not pop in and have a cuppa and a chat. There is no obligation to sign up to anything, you will just receive lots of information on options for you to take away and think about.”